Radicalism rears its ugly head

Apropos of ‘Cowardly attack’; Sukhbir Badal had a narrow escape as a militant tried to assassinate him at the Golden Temple while he was performing ‘sewa’ to atone for his sins. The attack has evoked condemnation in the strongest possible terms from across the political spectrum. Punjab could slither into the kind of turbulence witnessed during the 1980s when the Khalistan movement was at its peak, causing mayhem and unprecedented violence across the state. A similar kind of radicalism is rearing its ugly head again, threatening to plunge the state into dark days. These extremists are operating from abroad with impunity. The government must work wholeheartedly to combat this menace.

Roshan Lal Goel, Ladwa

Government must remain vigilant

Refer to ‘Cowardly attack’; the attack on former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal was foiled by the alacrity shown by ASI Jasbir Singh and others. It is disturbing that Sukhbir, who is being protected by Z-plus security, was attacked outside the Golden Temple. It is rightly stated in the editorial that radical elements are hell-bent on disturbing peace in the state. Punjab has already seen an era of militancy in the 1980s and 1990s. The Punjab Government and its security agencies need to be more vigilant against such elements, especially when the neighbouring country, Pakistan, is witnessing violence and severe turmoil.

Ravinder Kumar Jain, Ludhiana

ASI saved the day

With reference to ‘Cowardly attack’; the assassination attempt on Sukhbir Singh Badal has sent shockwaves across the state. It also reveals that extremists are apparently still active in Punjab. To nip the evil in the bud, this attack needs to be condemned by all. Strict rules need to be made by the Golden Temple authorities and the district administration so that no one dares to carry weapons inside or around its holy precincts. ASI Jasbir Singh should be awarded by the Punjab Government for his alertness and swift action in thwarting the assassination bid, which could have far-reaching repercussions.

Sham Murari Sharma, Chandigarh

Politics, religion shouldn’t be mixed

Apropos of ‘Hope for a reset in Akali politics’; the punishment awarded to Sukhbir Badal and others is inadequate, considering how Sikh sentiments were hurt by the decisions of the SAD. Sukhbir not only opposed right-thinking people of Punjab but also left no stone unturned in justifying the decision of the ruling clan. The Akali Dal must refrain from meddling in the affairs of the Sikhs, more so in matters concerning the Akal Takht, which is the temporal and spiritual seat of the Sikhs. Let the SGPC work independently as a representative body of the community. The party must understand that politics and religion are not to be mixed.

HMS Nagra, Faridabad

Ensure regular cleaning of nullah

Apropos of ‘Civil society leads’; the fundamental right of humans to live a healthy life has been ignored collectively by polluting industries, the government and the pollution control board. It is shameful that people have to protest for a clean-up of the toxic Buddha Nullah in Ludhiana. How can the government ignore court orders and funds approved for the rejuvenation of the nullah? Lack of seriousness, pressure of industrial tycoons and the pollution control board’s inaction have led to the present situation. Time-bound cleaning, preventing polluted industrial water from entering the nullah and installation of treatment plants may improve the condition of the Sutlej tributary.

Wg Cdr JS Minhas (retd), Mohali

World must support ICC’s efforts

With reference to ‘Israel scrambles for support to counter ICC warrants’; the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) warrants against Israeli PM Netanyahu and his aides mark a pivotal moment in holding leaders accountable for crimes against humanity. The Gaza genocide demands not just condemnation but also prompt and decisive global action. The international community, including non-signatories to the Rome Statute, must support the ICC’s efforts to ensure justice. As a champion of non-violence, India must lend its voice to the call for justice. Only through collective action can we ensure that perpetrators like Netanyahu are brought to justice to restore faith in international law and prevent crimes against vulnerable people.

Amarjeet Mann, Una